'Our Silences' sculptures on display near San Diego's cruise terminal

"Our Silences" by Mexican artist Rivelino opened Jan. 29 at Ruocco Park on San Diego Bay. (Unified Port of San Diego)

These world travelers weigh about a ton each and never utter a word.

Ten massive bronze busts that are part of "Our Silences" or "Nuetros Silencios" were recently installed at Ruocco Park in San Diego, a few blocks south of the city's cruise terminal, the Unified Port of San Diego says in a statement.

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Cruise passengers visiting on a port-of-call stop through mid-April will have an opportunity to see Mexican artist Rivelino's sculptures that make a statement about self-censorship and freedom of expression.

"What’s important is that people can reflect about what happens when an individual decides not to say how he feels, because he can be ridiculed, or attacked, or he can be excluded," Rivelino told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "This is an important topic of discussion for a public place."

Passengers who explore on foot will easily find the 11 1/2-foot-tall figures whose mouths are covered up with plates. The artwork has been on display in many countries, including Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany and his home country of Mexico.

The army of mute figures stand out in their waterfront setting. They're made of bronze and covered with a white ocher patina, according to the artist's website.

For visually impaired people, the sculptures are accompanied by an iron Braille box with small-scale pieces inside that people can touch to experience the work.

Rivelino, whose full name is José Rivelino Moreno Valle, spoke at the Jan. 29 debut of "Our Silences" in San Diego.

The artwork stands at the park at 585 Harbor Lane and is sponsored in part by the port and the Consul General of Mexico. It will remain until April 15.

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